Hi reader. You’re seeing this because I, the Head Geargal, in my immense wisdom and impeccable vision, have implemented a membership system rather than cluttering up your user experience (and compromising Geargals.com’s bias-free reputation) with advertisements from brands. Because you are likely an awesome, badass, highly appreciated regular reader, you get in on the introductory plan. You pay only $2.99 to access the entire Geargals blog. Forever. Your price will never go up if you sign up on this plan. And I sure hope you do, because I appreciate you even if I can no longer justify writing such awesomely entertaining blog posts for free. Lest you think it’s just about me, though – long ago I promised the other writers on this site that I’d try to pay them someday. It’s high time that someday happened. I hope that you value our writing enough to part with three measly bucks. We will do our best to keep you riveted for years to come. And, most importantly – THANK YOU.

Jill is the founder, editor, and all around Head Geargal here on Geargals.com. Jill was born in Michigan but was quickly whisked to Kodiak, Alaska by military parents who had honeymooned on the Alaska Highway and wanted to raise their kids there (Alaska, not the highway). Jill loves being outside anywhere in the world and has traveled to fourteen countries and, more impressively, over forty Alaskan communities off the road system.When she's not mountain biking, skiing, or hiking, she likes to explore the planet on a motorcycle, because motorcycles let the driver be outside.